Investigating the Effect of an Educational Intervention Based on the Transtheoretical Model on Smoking Behavior Among Men Attending Comprehensive Health Service Centers in Qom

Background and purpose: Smokers and their readiness to change behaviour varies accordingly. This study aimed to determine the effect of an educational intervention based on the Transtheoretical Model on smoking behaviour among male smokers in Qom. Materials and methods: This interventional study was conducted among male smokers aged 30 to 60 years who attended comprehensive health service centers in Qom in 2023. Sampling was performed using the convenience sampling method. Considering a 10% dropout rate, a sample size of 55 participants was allocated to each of the intervention and control groups. Participants were randomly assigned to the two groups using permuted block randomization with a block size of 4. After completing the pre-test questionnaires, six 45-minute educational sessions were delivered using lecture, question-and-answer, and brainstorming methods. The post-test phase was conducted two months after the educational intervention. For quantitative data analysis, descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential tests (chi-square test, independent t-test, and paired t-test) were used. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average age of participants was 39.6 ± 7.6 years. After the educational intervention, the mean score of smoking behaviour in the intervention group decreased significantly compared to before the intervention (P<0.001; before:9.4 ±1.9, after:8.04 ±1.3). The mean scores of the Stages of Change and Processes of Change constructs in the intervention group increased significantly after the training compared to baseline (P<0.001; after:73.05±7.3). The mean score of the Temptation construct also showed a statistically significant decrease after the intervention in the intervention group (P<0.001; after: 2.5±1.29). Conclusion: Educational interventions based on the Transtheoretical Model, combined with coping skills training and individual counselling, can be effective in improving stages of change, decision-making, temptation management, and promoting smoking cessation.